In a strategic move to boost Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector and expand the country’s export capacity, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) have unveiled joint plans aimed at transforming the nation’s maritime infrastructure and operations.
During a high-level visit to the NPA headquarters in Lagos on Tuesday, May 27, Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries, emphasized the importance of a strong partnership between DIL and the NPA.
“We are here to thank the NPA for doing a great job, because as we speak today, we are the biggest or largest customer to NPA,” Dangote said.
“I think this kind of interaction between us and them is very, very important for the growth of the industry. So, we discussed quite a lot of issues. We also discussed issues of how to deepen the Marine and Blue Economy of the nation. And we have agreed to actually work together for the benefit of Nigeria.”
Detailing the scale of DIL’s maritime operations, Dangote noted, “The size of our own operation at Lekki alone is going to be almost 240 ships of crude, with each ship carrying one million crude each. And then we’ll have products which now will amount to over 600 ships in a year.
“Then we also have our fertilizer operation, which will be loading almost eight ships. This is an operation that has never, ever been seen in the country.”
Recognizing the challenges ahead, Dangote praised the NPA’s leadership but also stressed the need for robust support from the Federal Government.
“Our operations will sink if NPA doesn’t give us the services we will be needing for our operations. So, the NPA will be needing a lot of support from the Federal Government because they won’t be able to do these things with their own physical hands. They need equipment. They need more Tug Boats.
“We will also be putting in some few words in necessary quarters to make sure that NPA gets all the necessary assistance from the Federal Government.”
Also speaking during the engagement, NPA Managing Director and CEO Abubakar Dantsoho commended Dangote’s visit, saying it was a gesture of appreciation linked to recent government policies aimed at streamlining crude export logistics.
“Alhaji Aliko Dangote is here to show appreciation, especially regarding the establishment of the One Stop Shop policy on Naira for Crude deal, which is being coordinated by the Nigerian Port Authority,” Dantsoho stated.
The collaboration is expected to significantly enhance port efficiency, drive export growth, and position Nigeria as a formidable player in the global marine economy.
